6 Apartment Hunting Tips You Need to Know

By Christine Ascher on July 18, 2017

Looking for the perfect off-campus apartment can be intimidating, especially when it’s your first time. There are usually a lot of choices in college towns, and it’s a good idea to be as thorough as possible when you start apartment hunting in the area.

Even if you have an idea of where you might want to live, check out other possibilities as well if only to be sure. When you begin looking for a new apartment, keep these tips in mind to help the process go smoothly, and to be sure that you’re making the right decision.

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1. Research the average rent in your area

Even if there’s one building that you have your heart set on, do some research into the average rent for apartments in your area to ensure that you’re getting a good deal. Some buildings are able to charge a lot more than others if they offer more amenities or are located near shops and restaurants; you might find that the convenience isn’t worth the higher rent, and decide to find somewhere less expensive.

Having a rough idea of the average rent in the area can narrow down your search before you even start visiting properties, and will help to ensure that you don’t end up paying more than is necessary for a decent place to live.

2. Go on a tour of the building

If you can help it, never sign a lease for a building that you haven’t visited in person. It may look great in the pictures on the building’s website, but the reality could be a whole different story. Make an appointment to tour the building so you can see everything firsthand; you’ll also get a better idea of the facilities, such as the quality of the gym, and the size of the apartments themselves.

If the building you’re visiting doesn’t have a model apartment for you to see, try to find a friend who lives there and can let you see their apartment. If nothing else, ask about the size of the rooms and details like appliances so you can get a rough idea of what to expect.

3. Talk to current residents

If you know someone who lives in the building you’re checking out, ask them about their experience. They’ll be able to talk to you more openly and honestly than a leasing agent might, and can tell you if there are major issues with the building, like that the Wi-Fi never works, or minor inconveniences that might come into play in your decision, such as if the elevators are slow.

If you don’t have any friends or acquaintances who live in the building, try posting on social media to ask if anyone can give their feedback on the building, or if they can connect you with a current resident. Students living in the building are your greatest resource when it comes to making a decision, so be sure to reach out in some way before you sign your lease.

4. Check out the laundry facilities

This may seem like a minor point, but laundry is going to play a significant role in your day-to-day life, and if the laundry facilities at your new building aren’t up to par, you’ll definitely have to face the consequences. Find out how many machines are in the building and how many people they serve so you can get an idea of how often they’ll be free.

Make sure they seem to be in working order and find out how much the machines cost. The money you spend doing laundry can add up, and with all of the other expenses that you’ll be facing, it’s a good idea to make sure you won’t be charged too large an amount.

5. Introduce yourself to the landlord or management

Before you finalize anything, make sure you meet the landlord or management of your building. Given that you’ll probably be dealing with them a lot, it’s a good idea to check if they seem responsible and reliable. You might find a great apartment building, but if the management is bad, your experience will probably be a bad one as well.

Having poor building management can mean not getting your shower fixed when the faucet stops working, being charged an unfair fee when you pay your rent a day late or living in a building where the facilities are not properly maintained. It can make a big difference to your day-to-day life, so try to get a feel for the people running the building. If they don’t seem to be very interested in the upkeep or details of the property, that could be a red flag.

6. Ask about extra costs

You might think you’ve found a great deal on an apartment, but realize later on that you’re being slammed with extra fees. Ask ahead of time about any extra expenses, such as whether you’ll be paying for utilities, how much you’re expected to put down for your security deposit if you’ll need to purchase Renter’s Insurance, and how much parking will cost.

It’s a good idea to ask them to estimate the utility costs as well so you can have an accurate idea of what you’ll actually be paying each month. While this will vary depending on the person, they should be able to give you a rough idea.

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